There are five geese species that call Arkansas home. In this guide, we will provide a complete guide to the different types of geese found in Arkansas. We’ll discuss their physical characteristics, behavior, diet, and more!
What kind of geese are in Arkansas?
| oose | Frequency in Arkansas | Resident Population | Specific Locations in Arkansas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose | Common | Yes | Lake Conway, Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area |
| Snow Goose | Abundant | No | White River National Wildlife Refuge, Cache River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Ross's Goose | Uncommon | No | Lake Dardanelle State Park, Bell Slough Wildlife Management Area |
| Cackling Goose | Uncommon | No | Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Greers Ferry Lake |
| Greater White-fronted Goose | Common | No | Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, Stuttgart Area |
| Egyptian Goose | Newly resident | No | Lake Chicot, White River National Wildlife Refuge |
The geese present are similar to the neighboring states of Tennesse geese species and Mississippi geese species and Oklahoma geese.
Geese Species Found in Arkansas
Hunting Snow Geese in Arkansas
Snow goose hunting is permitted with a valid hunting license and during allowed shooting hours. In fact, there are so many geese present in Arkansas, they are not only destroying critical habitat for themselves and other species, but also causing problems for Arkansas farmers and local golf courses due to the huge flocks.
At present there is a no bag limit and conservation order as the Arkansas game and fish commission try to conduct eradication efforts and other population control measures on Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose and Blue goose.
In Arkansas, the snow goose population has reached staggering numbers, with approximately 3.5 million geese estimated in the midcontinent population. Snow geese have become a nuisance for farmers in the state, causing damage to their crops. Furthermore, their overabundance poses a threat to the fragile Arctic tundra, their nesting grounds.
In Arkansas, you are allowed to use full-body decoys and electronic calls, along with a no possession limit to try and reduce the large flocks of these two species, so hunters can enjoy some great hunting with the large spread. Allowing increased harvest in waterfowl hunting is one socially acceptable way that these flocks are kept manageable.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has been working with the University of Arkansas’s Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit to study recent increases in nonnative Egyptian Geese.
Where to Spot Arkansas’s Geese
Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area: Located southeast of Little Rock, Bayou Meto WMA is renowned for its Arkansas waterfowl populations, including a variety of geese and lots of Arkansas ducks. This expansive wetland offers excellent opportunities to observe geese in their natural habitat.
White River National Wildlife Refuge: Situated in eastern Arkansas, the White River NWR encompasses diverse habitats that attract a wide range of waterfowl, including geese. The refuge’s wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and rice fields provide prime feeding and resting grounds for these migratory birds.
Lake Conway: Located near Conway, Arkansas, Lake Conway is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. This reservoir attracts various waterfowl species, including geese, offering opportunities for observation and photography.
Greers Ferry Lake: Situated in the Ozark Mountains, Greers Ferry Lake provides a scenic backdrop for birdwatching. This reservoir attracts waterfowl, including geese, particularly during migration seasons and lots of Arkansas birds of prey.
Stuttgart Area: Known as the “Rice and Duck Capital of the World,” the Stuttgart area in Arkansas is a hub for waterfowl activity. Geese, including snow geese, frequent the rice fields and wetlands in this region, offering remarkable opportunities for birdwatchers.